This discussion focuses on advanced texts for a second exposure to Special Relativity (SR), emphasizing the transition to General Relativity (GR). Key recommendations include Sean Carroll's "Spacetime Geometry," Éric Gourgoulhon's "Special Relativity in General Frames," Wolfgang Rindler's "Special Relativity," and Michael Tsamparlis's "Special Relativity: An Introduction with 200 Problems and Solutions." The conversation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of geometric concepts, vectors, and tensors, as well as the importance of foundational texts like Dixon's work for those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of physics.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physicists, advanced students of physics, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Special Relativity and its transition to General Relativity.
My guess is that most second treatments of SR lead on to GR, with a focus on the geometric nature of the theory and a formal treatment of vectors and tensors. I like Sean Carroll's book (Spacetime Geometry) and this series of lectures from Professor Hughes at MIT:caz said:Mostly the same ones, but at a higher level of understanding.
Making the jump to GR is an option. There are several threads on where to start with GR, so I would like to keep this thread focused on advanced SR refs unless the answer is GR.PeroK said:My guess is that most second treatments of SR lead on to GR, with a focus on the geometric nature of the theory and a formal treatment of vectors and tensors.
There's always:caz said:Making the jump to GR is an option. There are several threads on where to start with GR, so I would like to keep this thread focused on advanced SR unless the only answer is GR.
That's pretty vague. It will be difficult to find a book to teach you something if you don't know exact;y what.caz said:Mostly the same ones, but at a higher level of understanding.
I already have a physics degree and I’m doing this for fun. I used French in school and have recently refreshed with Taylor and Wheeler. Looking at the most popular references, it seems like an underclassman could handle them. It made me wonder if there was something more advanced that wasn’t GR.Vanadium 50 said:That's pretty vague. It will be difficult to find a book to teach you something if you don't know exact;y what.
The flip answer is "find a college that teaches Special Relativity II and use their textbook". Howeverm you will find that there are few, if any, colleges that teach two terms of SR. Which gets us back to the question I asked.
caz said:What are the best books for a second exposure to Special Relativity? I can find plenty of threads on introductory books …
Frimus said:Look at a monograph "Special relativity in general frames" by Éric Gourgoulhon. It is a 800pgs gem, however I am afraid it's not a second, but at least the 4th text on SR.
After a little digging, I think the reference iscaz said:I do not know how to quote old threads.
You wrote “Dixon's book is probably too specialized for his list... but, I agree, it is interesting. I've been browsing through it [mainly on the Newtonian limit] on and off for the past year“ in 2007 in response to “Dixon's "Special Relativity" is far more advanced and interesting than its title makes it sound (if that's what you want)” by Stingray who lists it elsewhere as his favorite SR book.
It is also one of Schutz’s additional reading SR references.